Gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears, a Republican from Virginia, has launched a striking advertisement targeting Democrats over their silence on controversial remarks made by Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for state attorney general. The ad comes in light of resurfaced texts from Jones, where he expressed violent sentiments towards his political opponents, specifically calling for the murder of former state House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
In the texts dated back to 2022, Jones wrote to fellow delegate Carrie Coyner, suggesting that Gilbert should be shot, stating, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” This shocking message has raised serious concerns about Jones’s fitness for public office.
Sears’s ad not only highlights these disturbing comments but also criticizes other Democratic candidates, including Abigail Spanberger, for not denouncing Jones or urging him to withdraw from the race. The ad states, “Reject the insanity,” and includes references to Jones’s other inflammatory comments, such as his claim that he would attend the funerals of Republican lawmakers to “piss on their graves.”
The fallout from Jones’s texts has been significant. While some Democrats have acknowledged the inappropriateness of his comments, they have largely stood by him, arguing that he is still a better choice than any Republican alternative. Louise Lucas, a prominent Democrat, stated that while there is no place for violent rhetoric, the upcoming election’s stakes are too high to let this incident overshadow the bigger picture.
Sears has called for Jones to step down, echoing sentiments from The Washington Post, which questioned whether someone making such statements could effectively serve as the state’s top law enforcement officer. The newspaper noted that curbing political violence requires leaders who do not exacerbate partisan tensions.
The controversy surrounding Jones has sparked a broader conversation about political discourse in Virginia. As the election approaches, the responses from both parties will likely play a significant role in shaping voter opinions. With the spotlight on Jones’s comments, the Democratic Party faces pressure to take a stronger stance against political violence and to clarify their position on candidates who engage in such rhetoric.
